If we had known 2020 would be what it was, we would have traveled so much more in Canada in 2019. Sigh.
The hope is that at some point in 2021, Americans and Canadians can travel back and forth across the border without restrictions. The COVID-19 numbers have to come down for that to happen.
There were some 2020 travel adventures. We discovered that despite the lockdown with the border, Canadians could fly into the United States but ground crossings had restrictions. Those Canadians, when returning to Canada, and other travelers had to quarantine for 14 days. The snowbirds could fly south to the United States but their cars had to be shipped separately.
Canada-U.S. border closes to non-essential traffic over COVID-19 coronavirus
How COVID-19 is affecting Canadian snowbirds
Canadian travel bubbles could boost tourism within Canada
Travel envy extended to the Maritime provinces along with Newfoundland and Labrador. Those Canadians could travel to those provinces in an Atlantic travel bubble this summer.
The place I wanted to be in the Maritimes this summer was in Halifax where the CFL was going to play the first regular-season game ever in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We suggested that the league play all their 2020 games in the region, That suggestion was worth serious consideration. Too bad. The COVID-19 numbers in summer in that area were wonderful compared to elsewhere in North America.
While driving in New Brunswick as well as Newfoundland and Labrador, I saw signs looking out for moose. While I didn't see a moose on the road in either province, I did enjoy moose on my dinner plate in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador. Having driven in all 4 provinces, the scenery is gorgeous. A lot of country driving with covered bridges in New Brunswick. That would have been a fun way to celebrate summer 2020.
Canadians wanting football are stuck watching the NFL on TV
A few Americans came to Canada this summer in a professional capacity. As part of the NHL bubble plan, NBC got to produce the games in Toronto while Rogers Sportsnet produced the games in Edmonton. The NHL agreed to split the production regardless of where the games were going to be held. The U.S. network also sent announcers to Toronto and Edmonton. Kenny Albert found himself kicking field goals at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Gord Miller (Canadian) got to stay in Toronto. John Forslund spent more consecutive days in Canada (Toronto) than he likely has ever spent. Forslund is not a big fan of Canada, especially since he likely called an Edmonton-Toronto regular season game (in January before the pandemic) from the United States.
Canadian travel update: The waiting is the hardest part
Driving to Alaska now has specific terms in Canada
Driving to Alaska should not be code for staying in Canada during a pandemic
Some Americans did get to travel within Canada in 2020. "Driving to Alaska" became a euphemism for having a Canadian vacation. The U.S. licence plate became a concern even for Canadians who happened to have American plates.
I would love to go "driving to Alaska" but will wait until that can be done safely and legally.
Jay Baruchel MADE road trip takes us through Canada for Canadian content
Canadian actor and director Jay Baruchel helped out Canadians and those outside Canada with a virtual road trip of Canadian films and Canadian TV made in different parts of the country. Some creative enterprises are obvious such as Republic of Doyle (St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador) and Last Night (Toronto).
Canada celebrates 2 years of legal marijuana
Opening Day (finally) for marijuana edibles in Canada
CanadianCrossing.com marijuana coverage
2020 was going to be the year for marijuana tourism in your Canada travel plans. This would be the first summer where Canada had legal edibles on the menu. If you live in the United States, you have been better off going to Colorado, California, or one of a number of friendly states.
If Americans get to travel to Canada in 2021, marijuana tourism might be high (pun intended) on your list. Follow the rules based on where in Canada you are traveling.
CanadianCrossing.com now has stories grouped by provinces and territories
If you have a specific destination in mind, we do offer groupings based on provinces and territories. Want to explore New Brunswick or Manitoba? Our travel stories are now sorted by provinces.
We have been to each province so we have some insight into all the provinces.
CanadianCrossing.com border crossings coverage
CanadianCrossing.com travel coverage
Wish the short-term future would be better for tourism in Canada. As soon as that border opens, I may do a day trip in Windsor. Could use even a short-term dose of Canada.
So where to go in Canada in 2021? Hopefully.
Where to visit Canada in 2020
Where to visit Canada in 2019
Where to visit Canada in 2018
Where to visit Canada in 2017
All Canada national parks are free in 2017
Where to visit Canada in 2016
Where to visit Canada in 2015
Where to visit Canada in 2014
Share your Canadian tourism wishes for 2020 in the comments section below. Time to make travel plans.
map credit: Ezilon.com
Quick clarification about Forslund during the bubble hockey. He moved over to Edmonton for the final two rounds. He called games from both conference finals and contributed to NBC's coverage of the Stanley Cup Final from Rogers Place.
Posted by: Tyler | January 08, 2021 at 03:44 PM